Nasir Jamshed's century led Pakistan to victory in ODI series opener against India

Last Updated: 30/12/12 2:57pm

Nasir Jamshed: opening batsman paced Pakistan's run chase

Junaid Khan: Pakistan left-arm seamer struck four times with the new ball

Opening batsman Nasir Jamshed's century guided Pakistan to a six-wicket win over India in the opening match of the ODI series in Chennai.

Jamshed's 101 not out ensured India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's rescue act earlier in the day went unrewarded.

Dhoni came to the crease with his side on 29-5 after they had been sent in to bat and struck 113 not out to guide them to a final total of 227-6.

Pakistan's run chase also got off to a poor start, India debutant Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowled Mohammad Hafeez - who offered no shot - for a golden duck with the first delivery of his ODI career.

Kumar also removed Azhar Ali (9) to leave Pakistan on 21-2 but Younus Khan counter-attacked to the tune of 58 off 60 balls to ensure the required-rate was always under control.

Jamshed went to his second ODI hundred from 127 balls in the 47th over and finished off the job alongside Shoaib Malik (34no) with 11 balls to spare.

A bad day for India got worse when Virat Kohli left the field injured. Kohli slipped in his delivery stride while bowling the 41st over and appeared to twist his right knee. He was able to walk off the field but did not return.

Left-arm seamer Junaid Khan (4-43) had earlier done the damage for Pakistan with the new ball; bowling Virender Sehwag (4), Kohli (0) and Yuvraj Singh (2), and having Rohit Sharma (4) caught at third slip in his opening spell.

Suresh Raina helped his skipper repair the innings with a 79-run stand spanning 33.4 overs, Dhoni enjoyed a life on 17 when Misbah-ul-Haq put down a catch at midwicket off Hafeez's bowling.

Off-spinner Hafeez (1-26) did eventually pick up a wicket, bowling Raina for 43 with the second delivery of the 34th over - the first of the batting powerplay - before Ravichandran Ashwin (31no) helped Dhoni up the tempo.

Dhoni brought up his eighth ODI century from 118 deliveries - the second 50 of which came from 32 balls - and finished with seven fours and three sixes in his undefeated 125-ball contribution.

The three-match series continues at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on January 3.